In the past couple of decades, scientists have been researching the intelligence of plants and asking some interesting questions. Are plants sentient? Do plants feel pain? These questions may seem ridiculous to some, but as science moves forward in their research, they may have answers to these questions.
In studies conducted, we are learning that just because they have a different biological process than humans or any other living organism does not mean that they lack the ability to think or feel. In fact, plant scientists have concluded that plants are intelligent and can actually learn, remember, and communicate. Some scientists do not believe that plants are sentient because they lack a central nervous system. No brain equals no consciousness, right? Not necessarily. Plants can take in sensory data and react in response.
Plants react to a multitude of things like light, touch, music and anesthetics. They can also sense gravity and move when there is an obstruction in their way. Some scientists claim that music is too complex to be able to accurately determine whether or not plants respond. However, there has been evidence that when pure notes or tones are played, there have been some changes in growth and germination. Along with music, plants also react to recordings of caterpillars eating leaves. The studies conducted on how plants respond to anesthetics has also shown amazing results. Just like humans and animals, anesthetics reacts similarly when used on plants. Not only do plants react to anesthetics, they also produce a chemical that can be used as an anesthetics to humans and animals.
So, are plants sentient? Scientists who push for the answer to this question take a look at how plants react to pain. Research proves that when a plant is being eaten, cut, or stressed out, a chemical is released. The release of ethylene is often equated to a scream from the plant. The Institute for Applied Physics at the University of Bonn in Germany has picked up sound waves not audible to the human ear during the release of ethylene.
There is still so much we do not understand about plants and to what level of consciousness they hold. If someone told you that plants were sentient or could feel pain, you would probably think that they were crazy. The evidence is there and it clearly shows how remarkable plants are. Plant scientists are learning more and more each day and we are closer than ever to finding a definitive answer on the questions being asked. As humans, it is extremely easy to think that having a brain equals consciousness because we have one. With all of the living things on this planet, we can not be the only sentient beings. Anyway, we’ll all agree on one thing, plants are extremely important to our lives. We are all connected and have to live harmoniously together while we are on this earth.
Do you feel surprised about these findings about plants? Please let us know in the comments below.
